Celebrating 10 Years & 500 Tablescape Thursdays!

Welcome to the 500th Tablescape Thursday!

Wow! It blows me away to type that number: 500! How did that happen? 🙂

Tablescape Thursday, initially called Tablescape Tuesday, got its start on August 24th, 2008. This was the first table setting I ever posted for our tablescape party. I had just added on the porch the previous fall/winter and was so excited to set a table with the beach-themed dinnerware I had just purchased a few months earlier.

Thirteen lovely bloggers joined in on that first TT party, and here we are, ten years later, still celebrating the joy and excitement of creating beautiful tables for our friends and family.

I knew absolutely nothing about taking photos back then, thus the blurry photos in that first TT post. Thankfully my photos have improved a bit over the years.

(Click the titles below to visit a table for additional photos.)

The Very First Tablescape Party

Beach Tablescape in Aqua

Were you here for our 100th Tablescape Thursday? I climbed a ladder to reach a beautiful magnolia blossom that was high up in the magnolia tree in my front yard, so wanting to use in the centerpiece of this special celebration table.

100th Tablescape Thursday!

100th Celebration Table Setting for Tablescape Thursday

 

I went all out for that 100th celebration, bringing out the fancy flatware. I even managed to squeeze bread plates and salt cellars onto the table. A little crowded but who cared, we were celebrating 100 weeks of Tablescape Thursday!

Pink China in Elegant Table Setting, International Glenwood

 

Several years ago while visiting my sister, Glenda, who sadly has since passed away, she pulled out this beautiful luncheon set crocheted by our Mother during the time she was awaiting my arrival. Not long after my birth, our Mother became very ill and never recovered. She passed away when I was a Senior in college.

 

My sister said when my Mom was working on each piece of this 4-place-setting luncheon set, if she discovered a mistake in her needlework, she would either pull everything out to correct it, or if she was almost finished, she would complete the piece and give it away.

For the centerpiece, I brought in fresh gardenia blossoms from the garden. It was a bittersweet moment, setting this table. View this table setting here: Beautiful Crocheted Luncheon Set.

 

Here’s a second table using this beautiful crocheted luncheon set. Mother’s Day Luncheon with Crocheted Luncheon Set.   For those who crochet, there’s a photo of the pattern book in that post, also. It can sometimes be found on eBay or Amazon. I am in awe of the sweet little covers she made for the glasses. So beautiful!

Crocheted Luncheon Set

 

One Tablescape Thursday, Mother Nature gave me a beautiful snowy-white tablecloth. I couldn’t resist decorating it with a snow-flake, snow-themed setting.

A Winter Table Setting for the Birds, Tablecloth by Mother Nature

Winter Table Setting with Snowy Birding Theme

 

This particular dinnerware is one of my absolute favorites! I love the snowy village scenes it depicts. The birds who were coming to feeders that hang off the deck showed a keen interest in this table setting, as well! 😉

 

This was such a fun, fun table to create with whimsical Alice-in-Wonderland dishes.

Valentine’s Day Tablescape with a Queen of Hearts-Alice in Wonderland Theme, Heart Cakes and Heart Napkin Fold

Valentine's Day Table, Alice in Wonderland Theme

 

I’ve actually used this delightful pattern in four of five tables over the years.

 

I’ll always remember this table because I was blessed with wonderful light on the porch that day. Over the years the trees in the backyard have gotten taller and taller, so the lighting can be a challenge for taking photos on the porch now.

Easter Spring Table Setting with Tulip Centerpiece and Bunny Cupcake Stands

Spring Table with Tulip Centerpiece

 

This centerpiece can be created for a lot of different occasions. I’d love to create it again this summer, but with a different theme.

Easter Spring Table, Tulips and Bunny Cupcake Stands

 

Some of my most favorite tables have been those that were set for just two. Soft lamplight can make any table feel special, especially if it’s an outdoor table setting.

Romantic Table for Two

Garden Table Setting by Lamplight

 

One more setting for two–loved the colors in this table.

Romantic Dinner in the Garden

 

The petunias joined in and had a seat at the table, too.

 

Went to a garden party to reminisce with my old friends,
A chance to share old memories and play our songs again.
Ricky Nelson, 1985

When Ricky wrote that song, I don’t think this is quite what he had in mind, but I still sing it when I see photos of this table. The flower pots, complete with worms, are actually the dessert–Oreo Dirt Cake. Yum! Large clay saucers worked great as chargers for this garden party setting.

A Garden Party

 

It was that same table that taught me about the Blue Hour. Couldn’t believe what I was seeing when I downloaded the photos to my computer to create the post. A little Googling about that amazing blue nighttime sky I was seeing, and I felt as if I had just discovered one of the most amazing secrets of the universe!

 

What do you do when you are snowed in nine hours away from home visiting grandchildren, and it’s time for Tablescape Thursday? You can’t say that we haven’t had a variety over the past 10 years! lol

A Playful Dinner for Two

Pottery Barn, Children's Table with Chairs

 

I’ve always loved Halloween, it’s one of my favorite holidays. I have so many good memories from trick-or-treating with friends.

Quoth the Raven “Nevermore”

Halloween Table with Black Crows

I had to include at least one table in this post where I used the shell chargers that took so many hours to make. Being a glutton for punishment, I made a second set of six, adding in a pretty aqua sea glass.

Dining with Seagulls

 

 

I’ve created a lot of Christmas table settings over the years…

Sparkle with a Touch of Whimsy

Holiday Table Setting Tablescape in Silver and Green

 

…but this is still my fave. We had our Christmas dinner here that year and this little village centerpiece stayed up all throughout the Christmas season.

Christmas Table Setting with Dept. 56 Lit Houses Centerpiece

Christmas Table Setting with Dept. 56 Lit Houses

 

There were so many others I could have included in this 500th Tablescape Thursday celebration post, but I’ll stop here. Thanks so much for your generous, kind comments over the past ten years of blogging and creating tables for Tablescape Thursday. Your friendship has meant the world to me! I’m looking forward to the next 500, dear Friends!

Looking forward to all the beautiful tables linked for this week’s Tablescape Thursday!

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Tablescape Thursday

If you are participating in Tablescape Thursday, please be sure to add your permalink below, and not your general blog address.To get your permalink, click on your post name, then copy and paste the address showing in the address bar, into the “url” box when you link up.

You’ll need to include a link in your post back to the party to link up and participate. That’s so visitors to your blog will be able to find the party and the other Tablescape Thursday participants. Requiring a link back also prevents businesses and scammers from linking up to sell their products. (Yup, that really happens, unfortunately.)


*If a post is sponsored or a product was provided at no charge, it will be stated in post. Some links may be affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. *



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Comments

  1. Shirley Ore says

    Really enjoyed see all your beautiful table settings….I look forward to your blog. You are so creative…love everything you do…

  2. Beautiful tablescapes! Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

  3. I remember the very first time I found you blog and was awestruck! I told everyone, “I’ve found my people”! It inspired me to start my very own and link to many of the TT parties. Congratulations on the 500th and 10 years of beautiful tablescapes.

  4. I’ve been looking forward to this post all week, plus all the other blogger link ups! I kept pinning table by table, so many, many inspiring, beautiful and fun tables. I had never seen the one with the crocheted elements by your mom. Absolutely stunning, and such an heirloom! Susan you have been my tablescape mentor over the 5-6 years since I discovered your blog. I also can’t think u enough for featuring two of my parties with four posts. Now I’m celebrating 6 months as a blogger and loving it, thanks to u. All the best.

  5. Susan, Congratulations on 10 years and 500 TT! You’ve always been an inspiration to me with your creative tablesettings and I have you to thank in part for my overflowing dish pantry! I look forward to TT every week and it was one of the first linky parties I joined. Your Dept. 56 Snow Village tablescape remains one of my all time favorites! Thank you for sharing your dish love and providing a creative outlet for dishaholics everywhere to play. ♥

    • Thanks so much, Mary! I always love seeing the beautiful tables you create each week, especially those wonderful outdoor tablescapes set lakeside and in your garden shed. XXX

  6. Susan, congrats on the 500th Tablescape Thursday! I enjoyed looking back on your favorites. Each one is beautiful and I remember so many of them. But the one using your Mother’s crocheted luncheon set evokes sweet memories of my Mother. Thank you for your generosity and kindness in the blogging world! I love seeing you in my inbox! Here’s to hundreds more Tablescape Thursday’s!

  7. Thanks, Dear Susan, for the walk down memory lane. You have brightened our lives through many days. When I need a little escape or inspiration I visit your Metamorphosis post or one of the Tablescapes. I am always eager to see what you have been up to each day. I’ve seen your family grow, worried about you through your recent illness, and just generally enjoyed all the wonderful things you share from the “blue hour” (which was new to me as well) all the way up to the “bird sounds” posting recently. You are one of the most creative and interesting ladies I “know.” Please keep surprising us with your lovely creations, thoughts and escapades. Blog on!

  8. Barbara Edwards Armacost says

    What great tablescapes you have set over these years!! And your Mother’s crocheted luncheon set is just beautiful. It is so wonderful to have things made by our ancestors to remember them by.

  9. Antoinette says

    Hi Karen,
    Your tablescapes are absolutely gorgeous! I have enjoyed reading your blog for several years now, especially of your travels. Keep up the good work. Congrats on 10 years!

  10. Congratulations on the 500th TT party! I remember most of the posts you shared. One of the first ones I saw on your blog was the one with your mom’s crocheted pieces. They are quite a treasure and she obviously very talented. It’s fun to reminisce the with the TT posts- I had a hard time picking out which once to share.
    You’ve been an inspiration to many of us- Happy 500th Tablescape Thursday!

  11. Gwendoline HEALY says

    Oh Susan! Such wonderful times we’ve had with you and your creativity. Your tablescapes are so lovely and have inspired us with our own.
    Thank you so much!

  12. WOW, congrats on the BIG ‘anniversary’! 500 is amazing. On to 1000! 🙂

  13. donna zoltanski says

    The gorgeous table with your Mom’s creativity is lovely. It is wonderful you have those memories to enjoy and thank you for sharing. I can see where you got your talent for decorating. One is prettier than the next – but if I must pick a fav — it would be the one with your Mom’s pretty crocheted placemats and glass accents. I’ve never seen such talent. Congratulations on your success. I always enjoy your posts and look forward to them too.

  14. Good Morning, Susan
    What a wonderful way to start my day looking at all your beautiful tablescapes. You have been such an inspiration and so creative!

    This weekend, to celebrate hubby’s birthday, I am creating a “Trip through Tuscany” complete with antipasto, lasagna, tiramisu and pizzelles for dessert. I made placemats and napkins with a lemon print and a centerpiece of sunflowers and greens. On my kitchen island, I plan to place a glass jar of colored pasta, a chianti wine bottle and another small sunflower arrangement. Just keeping fingers crossed this all turns out!

    Thank you again for your delightful blog and and all your 500 tablescapes!! Have a great day.

    PS Talbots is having a great sale this week 🙂

  15. Brandon Hartford says

    Beautiful and so inspiring…. can I ask if you have considered publishing a book just on Tablescapes? There are so few on the market of any quality that I suspect that you would do incredibly well !

    Thanks again for the inspiration and creative ideas !

    God Bless !

    Brandon Hartford
    Te Deum Cottage

  16. Congrats on #500 Susan! This was such fun, thank you for including us in your special anniversary! The favorites you chose included some of my very favorites too, the Snowy one, Queen of Hearts, and the one with the garden terrerium, pots and the blue hour! Cheers to 500 more!

  17. Wanda Bradey says

    Wow! You are so creative! I so enjoy each email I receive from you. Thank you for sharing your God given talent with each of us. Happy 500th!

  18. 500!! Wow. Susan, that is amazing. Congratulations on making something that could be a mundane chore for some (setting the table) such an inspiring and pretty and joyful thing to do. 😀 You have truly had a positive effect on some many people.

    I wasn’t here for the first Tablescape Tuesday, but I remember most of the others. I’m sure it was hard to choose, but I think you did a great job selecting some favorites to share and you actually picked many of my all time favorites, as well. Now, I hope you’ll do something fun and special to celebrate this milestone. 😀 Hugs.

  19. Susan Stone says

    Ohhhh…everything is so beautiful! You have such a gift, Susan. Each of those tablescapes is so inviting! I imagine myself sitting there with friends, drinking coffee/tea and chatting up a storm. I especially love any tablescape with bunnies. That cake stand with the white/green polka dot/red ribbon is GORGEOUS! Where can I get one??

    • Thanks so much, Susan! I think I found it in Home Goods, if I’m remembering correctly. It was many years ago. I’m away visiting grandchildren right now so I can’t look, but I think the cake stand was labeled Dept. 56. I hadn’t realized they made pieces like that so remember being suprrised it was hallmarked that way.

  20. A delightful and beautiful post. I enjoyed the review of all your tablescapes – a real labor of love. I didn’t know about your blog ten years ago, but I’m so glad I know about it now. Happy 500th blogging anniversary!

  21. Enjoy each and everyone of your gorgeous tablescapes, Susan. Congrats on the 500th!… Christine

  22. Congratulations, Susan! I remember all of these genius tablescapes. (You’d think after 500 popular parties, spellcheck would accept the word tablescape). My all-time favorite was the snow covered table. I couldn’t help but think about your dedication to go out into the snow and set a table. The Christmas village table is one I attempted to copy. You always have such amazing ideas. I take a little pride in the fact that I “knew” such a successful blogger before she started her blog. I still think about Glenda and miss her. She left such clever comments on my blog. I’ve had some blog burnout lately, but wanted to join your celebration. Thanks for hosting for ten years! What an accomplishment.

  23. Mamey Brown says

    Oh my goodness!! I LOOOOVE ALL of these table settings! So beautiful, especially the crocheted settings your mom made….GORGEOUS!

  24. Congratulations, Susan!
    And thank you very much for your wonderful blog! ♥
    I am looking forward to your next 5oo (or maybe 1000?) tablescapes! 🙂
    PS: How did you choose today?! I would have chosen… all 500! 🙂
    ~Hugs to you~
    Cecilia

  25. That was fun. Thanks

  26. Susan, Your blog is what inspired me to start blogging. Tablescape Thursday was the first party I ever linked up to! You are my inspiration and my enabler!! Congratulations on your 500th TT. Every Thursday is like getting a new magazine to browse through. I fell in love with your porch years ago and have enjoyed so many of your beautiful tables. This will be so much fun taking a walk down memory lane with so many talented bloggers! Thank you!!!

  27. Oh, how special to have the beautiful things your mother made to cherish…and enjoy ! I love using family items…use my mother’s Quaker Lace table cloth that was a gift at her wedding in 1939. Often guests will say “what if we spill, etc. -” I don’t care as I think lovely things are meant to be used. Your mother would be so proud…and I am sure she does see. My mother loved to embroider and she made a tablecloth and napkins for each of my sisters and me…she was working on one when she passed away. I recently found it and am going to work on finishing it for her youngest granddaughter. And…it is YOUR blog that inspired me to start a blog so I could join in the Tablescape fun – THANK YOU !

  28. I can’t wait ’til I reach my 500th tablescape!!! Just think of all the hard work, thought, creativity, and $$$ invested in these over the years. Sure, it’s a lot, but when it comes down to the wire…SO totally worth it!!! You have created a safe and welcoming spot for those of us who are just as gaga as you are about tablescaping to unleash our creativity in a way one would have never thought possible 20 or more years ago. Whether it’s the real events in our lives or the imagined ones that just need warm bodies around the table to make them more special, we’ve had a chance to dig deep and let the artist in us shine. Thank you for that! I’m glad to see that you included the tablescape with your Mom’s handiwork in it. She was the perfectionist I strive to be when it comes to creating. And the kids’ tablescape…another form of fast thinking and creativity that is the hallmark of any tablescaper! Congratulations on reaching this tablescaping milestone, and I look forward to participating in at least 500 more in the coming years!

  29. Congratulations on 500 tables Susan!!! I’m not sure how many years ago I discovered your beautiful blog, but I was in love at first sight. You are my inspiration and I look forward to seeing your beautiful creations each week. A few years ago I was finally brave to start posting my tables on my personal Facebook page and finally created my tablescape blog almost 2 years ageo. I do my best to have a new table each week to share with this amazing tablescaping tribe. I will be back in a couple days with my favorite tables that you have created that inspired me over the years. Thank you for sharing and coming in to our lives each week and I look forward to the next 500!

    Catherine
    Smashing Plates Tablescapes

  30. LINDA PAGE says

    I remember so many of these table settings! The crocheted pieces are beautiful and I know that you treasure them. I have a few doilies that my grandmother crocheted and I will never part with them. Also, you favor your mom. She was very pretty!! Congratulations on your 500th! Who woulda thunk!!!!

  31. A feast for the eyes Susan. Loved them all. Congrats on your 10 yrs of blogging. I would not miss a blog I admire your tenacity, taste and savvy shopping skills so much.

  32. Becky O'Brien says

    And we, your adoring followers, look forward to the next 500 also. Congratulations Susan.

  33. Congratulations! I always look forward to every blog post from you! Always a delight!

  34. Margaret Kuhn says

    Your Tablescapes are what attracted me to this blog. The very first one that had me hooked was a Thanksgiving one with your beautiful Spode Plates, and acorn covered soup bowls. I bookmarked that and looked at it over and over and over, then I joined your group. Of course, you know, it has caused me to buy lots of table settings and enjoy every moment. I also love your storage in your garage that you recently did. Thinking of doing something like that in my laundryroom.

  35. Loved looking at all your tables. Some I remember and some are new to me. What creativity!

  36. Congratulations!!! I remember most of these and love every one. Yours was the very first blog that I began following and it is still my favorite. Thanks for all the years of inspiration and here’s to many, many more, dear friend.

  37. Oh wow what treasures you have, the crocheted glass cozies and placemats must really bring you so much joy❤️❤️❤️

  38. Congratulations on your 500th. So many beautiful tablescapes have been created, but, silly me, the one at the top of my list is your Halloween table. I love artistic rather than “proper” tablescapes and that one is amazing.

  39. Barbara Gallagher says

    Loved this snapshot of some of your tablescapes. Still like your first one the best I think. Enjoy your blog!!

  40. TEN YEARS?!!!?? I can’t believe it, but I remember finding you and was so thrilled to find such a well written, informative, and beautiful blog, then when I learned you were a social worker in adult services, I about fainted! I knew it was meant to be that I found your blog. I had no idea it has been that long, wow, congratulations on keeping up, and growing your blog and constantly learning. That is what is all about. Here’s to another fun 10!

  41. Wow, Susan…500 tablescapes! I can’t believe it! You are amazing, lady! Congratulations! My favorite…discovering the Blue Hour through your post. Have a great weekend! Hugs…Debbie

  42. Ranger Smith says

    Congratulations Susan! I so very much look forward to Thursdays because of your blog. It one of the highlights of my day; entertaining and educational. Your 100th Tablescape Thursday is just absolutely beautiful and inviting. Your mother’s crocheted luncheon set and the story behind it is incredibly special . Thank you for your commitment to Thursdays. Enjoy your day.

  43. Oh, Susan, how did you ever choose which lovely settings to feature?! Thank you so much for this fun party and wishing you MANY more Tablescape Thursdays!! Zenda

  44. “Way Back When”….I was looking for home ideas and décor, BNOTP kept popping up. Everything was ideas that I loved. That was how I started to follow. I am still following and enjoying.
    Congratulations Susan!

  45. Such a wonderful selection of tablescapes that you’ve chosen from your collection: stunning, heartfelt, whimsical, romantic etc. Maybe you can frame small prints of your favorites and attach them to the (inside) doors of the storage cabinets in your garage. A side-by-side of the one with your mom’s crochet and the grandkids table would wonderful.

  46. Hi Susan! I am so happy to be joining you once again. I first started blogging in 2010, and your blog and this party have been part of my life since then. You have provided me and others so much inspiration and it’s been fun getting creative with you each week. Thank you for so many happy memories and I remain a devoted follower.

    Big Texas Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

  47. That was really fun. Thank you for all your efforts, I am in awe of you and your creativity.

  48. Bernadette Gibson says

    I remember every TT you posted today. They are all just beautiful. I was hoping you were going to post your very first. I remember your mother’s crocheted set. When you first posted it, I feel in love with it. You haven’t used it much and I wish you would. I especially love the glass holders. Here’s to another 500 TT’s!!!!

  49. Congratulations, Susan, on such a milestone. You have gifted us with your talent, advice and humor. Beautiful tables!

  50. Congrats, congrats Susan!!!….what an accomplishment to share your beautiful tables and to allow others to share them too!….I was not able to get my act together for a tablescape roundup…but just wanted you to know how much I have truly enjoyed your blog and you over the years. I so loved the table set with the beautiful crocheted items that you mom made….how so very special….I am so sorry that you lost your mom so early and your sister too…Looking forward to 500 more TT’s!

  51. Oh, Susan, what a visual treat you created today! I absolutely LOVED your trip down memory lane. I remember most of the tables you highlighted, but will always hold your “Snow Table” and your Mom’s crocheted set as my personal all-time favorites. Many thanks for all your efforts, advice, and inspiration over these past years. I had totally planned on joining today’s party, but discovered that my blogging skills are still elementary at best. It’s difficult to explain, but suffice it to say retrieving past posts and photos proved too difficult for me to load up on a newly created blog post. I’m not sure I can even explain what the problem is, but after hours of frustration, I had to admit defeat. However, I applaud your 500 Tablescape Thursdays and will remain a loyal follower for another 500+ !!

  52. Beautiful, beautiful table settings, Susan. I am really inspired by your creativity. Congratulations on the 500th Tablescape Thursday.

  53. I found your wonderful blog about 5 years ago. Thank you for sharing tablescapes, how to, etc. Really, thank you. Gail

  54. Congratulations! You have been my inspiration for tablescaping ever since I happened up on your blog! I love, love, setting a pretty table and you have given so many beautiful tables to admire and inspire. Thank you so much and I look forward to 500 more!

  55. Congratulations! 500 parties over 10 years is quite an achievement. You have posted lovely tablescapes that inspired me and everyone else who has enjoyed your blog. Here’s hoping for another 500!

  56. Congratulations Susan. Love the collection of tablescapes and will bookmark this page of lovelies. Those are beautiful crochet heirloom pieces your mom left you. It’s in your genes to perfect the details. Little did your Mom know you would celebrate her legacy on your 500th Tablescape . A lovely tribute to enjoy over and over.
    Let’s go to Egypt to celebrate! 🙂

  57. Tablescapes is how I found you!! Table settings are just “my thing” and favorite photos!! Your blog has been a blessing in every way!! On to the next 500!!! Thanks for ALL YOU DO, etc.!! franki

  58. Susan, I cannot even begin to tell you how much inspiration I have enjoyed from this series over the years! I thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me an appreciation of beautiful tables, and for introducing me to this wonderful means of creative expression! Congratulations on 500 weeks – that is truly an accomplishment!

  59. Your tablescapes are always so elegant and gorgeous, so it’s hard to choose a favorite, but I think at the top of the list is your mother’s crocheted placemats and glass holders! Second could be the one with the Dept. 56 houses centerpiece. Thank you so much for hosting weekly! So enjoyable!

    Katherine

  60. Thank you for the beautiful tables you have shared with us. I think everyone is my favorite. I always look forward to Thursday. May there be many more.

  61. Thanks for 10 years of beautiful tablescapes and creative inspiration! Your blog was the very first one I read and followed, over 9 years ago!
    I’ve truly enjoyed your posts.
    Hugs, Lisa

  62. This has turned into a priceless stroll down memory lane for all of us. Great idea for the 500th TT! I’ll always be partial to your mom’s pink crochet post. Such a precious lifetime gift. I love that she was such a perfectionist. Thanks for continuing to host us each week. Many sweet relationships have grown out of Tablescape Thursday…love my blog friends! Cherry Kay

  63. Congratulations on 500 tablescapes. Whew! What an accomplishment. I have personally enjoyed your tablescapes since I discovered you on an HGTV website as Moonlight & Magnolias. I still remember the tablescape. It featured magnolias and beautiful blue bottles by each place setting. I enjoyed it then and have been enjoying all your tablescapes since. I thought your Halloween tablescape with the mercury glass pumpkins was outstanding. So elegant yet festive. Ever since I have been collecting mercury glass gourds and pumpkins. I have two xlarge mercury glass pumpkins that are about 5 times the size of my head! I got carried away!! Halloween is my favorite holiday and I love the oohs and aahs I get from
    the kids trick or treating when they see my foyer displays with crows, mercury glass and mini white lights. You are a great source of inspiration.

  64. Susan, congratulations on 500! Wow! I didn’t see this announcement till yesterday and haven’t had much time, but I hope to have a post to share soon. You know you are a major influence on why I began Hyacinths in 2009. I wanted to play with my dishes! Thanks for your friendship and for continued inspiration, Susan.

  65. Oh my word, Susan – it’s been TEN years already? It seems like yesterday to me! WOW! BIG congrats – that is a huge milestone to hit 500 TTs!!! Whoot!

    I remember every one of those tablescapes. Funny but your outdoor al fresco table for two inspired me to do the same thing. I have since given my similar bistro set to my youngest who uses it as soon as the snow melts – she has a sweet but super tiny porch and has made a bit difference to her. She and her husband have special coffee morning moments together out there now.

    And I always was aware of the deep blue of The Blue Hour but never heard it called that. Now not a single Blue Hour is noticed without thinking of you. Seriously, if I had a nickel for everytime I said “It’s the blue hour” since you called it that I’d be a wealthy woman!

    Thank you for all the years of beauty, inspiration and to-die-for porch tablescapes! Well done, ma’am!!!!! Hugs.

    ps I need to get going and share some new spring tablescapes with ya’ll!

  66. Ah, Susan, this is so great – congratulations on 500 unique tablescapes! Wow, that’s so impressive! So many beautiful tables. And you’ve been a major influence on my own tablescaping, so for that I thank you (l think ).

  67. You have shared so many incredible settings, but I think todays is my favorite with the crystal and magnolia and oh, those crocheted chargers and glass covers. Beautiful and I am sure extra special to you. Thanks for the efforts you put into each setting….I really enjoy seeing what you have come up with each week!

  68. Elizabeth Speicher says

    Dear Susan,
    How wonderful to reach this milestone of 500 table scapes! I’ve only been aware of your wonderful blog for 2 years, I had just moved to house with a wonderful screened-in porch and a freestanding gazebo and was looking for ideas. Low and behold-BTNP! And you were a dish nut, like me. I’ve been diligently through your archives so as to not miss a thing.

    You and your participants are a constant source of inspiration. During a particularly low spot in my life I found whole group of like minded people and feel, through your blog, as if I have met all of them and dined at all of your and their beautiful tables.

    And to top it all off, you act as my personal shopper – stainless appliance polish, nifty vacuum for the kitty litter. Your blog is a pleasure to visit and you do more good than you know.

    Thank you,
    Elizabeth Speicher

  69. Elizabeth Roderick says

    These are all so beautiful. I love the formal settings and the fun ones as well. Thank you for sharing them.

  70. Congratulations on reaching 500 Tablescape Thursday. It is very inspiring looking at all the beautiful tables. I miss contributing to T.T. I have been so busy getting my home ready to put on the market that blogging has taken a back seat for the time being. I will be back once I get through the sale. In the meantime I am packing, packing, packing and painting and cleaning and so on.
    Barbara @
    https://fairmeadowplace.blogspot.ca

  71. Hi, Susan. Well, after a restless night, I got up this morning and MADE myself figure out how to complete the task you asked for. Namely, share our favorite tables!! It took a long time, but I was able to participate in your 500th TT!! My computer illiteracy was really showing, but I took it one step at a time finally got successful. Thanks for inspiring us to stretch our creative limits!!

    • That’s awesome, Rosie! I’m out of state visiting family but I hope to visit all the blogs who are participating this week. That’s wonderful that you were able to link up this week! Way to go! 🙂

  72. Oh what a great fun post – it took a while – but I managed to visit the table settings – they are all so fabulous!

  73. Susan, yours was the first blog I got hooked on! First, I was attracted to the name because I DO love a good nap on the porch, then I saw your red dining room and positively swooned. Congratulations on an amazing achievement.

  74. Debrah in Al. says

    I feel like we are friends, I have been following you so long! Enjoy all your post, big thanks for the entertainment. I will be visiting Savannah in 2 weeks, have you done any post on what I must see while there, or can you offer suggestions? Love you lots, keep up the good work!

  75. Gail Bell says

    Congratulations Susan!! I only found your blog about three years ago, but it soon became the first post I read daily. Thank you for the daily inspiration and honest talk. Looking forward to the next 500!

  76. You were somewhere in the 300’s when I discovered Between Naps on the Porch. I was looking for Thanksgiving tablescape ideas. My Sister and I love your blog and take lots of ideas to our Holiday tables. We have also started our own dish collections. Thank you for sharing your talents!

  77. I loved all the tables you picked to share. Every time I see the bunnies I want them. The bunny laying on his back holding a tray, ah so cute. What a fun blog you have created….I love it!

  78. Susan, I remember when I found your blog and your party and I felt like I found my tribe! Thank you for giving us like-minded folks a place that feels like home. Happy 500th! Dianne

  79. These tablescapes are so interesting, filled with pleanty of ideas.

  80. Charlotte says

    This was a beautiful, beautiful post! Thoroughly enjoyed every morsel. Your mother’s crocheted placemats and and glass holders are exquisite! I’ve never seen anything like it. That was my favorite, but it was hard to choose! I love love your chandelier. Wow. And your red dining room walls. Sure wish I lived on the East Coast instead of the West!

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